mounting

[fleabitten]

any tips on getting better at mounting from the ground?

i try to use some sort of 'prop' for getting on usually - it is amazing at the difference a small object can make to how easy it is to get on! but i think that i should be a bit better at getting on from the ground considering that i am young lol!

for the BHS syllabus you might be asked to mount from the ground - (it says that you have to show the proper way to mount from a mounting block which is fine) - and so i think that i should try to practice this a bit so im prepared.

[solomon]

Lengthen your stirrups, practice,it's a knack I think. I have always been able to get in ok from the ground even though I am old! I messed up a bit on the sponsored ride last week though 'cos I put my stirrups up three holes to jump before I got on from the floor! Managed it-just!

[fleabitten]

I dont think i would be able to even get my foot in the stirrup if i put my stirrups up 3 holes lol!! ;D I am such a granny lol! Im ok on ponies but once something hits 15.1hh or more.... lol!

Was just thinking there, that people with long legs would find it easier cos their stirrups would already be closer to the ground and they wouldnt have to struggle to put their foot in because they have long legs.....hmmmm - afraid i cant tell you the truth of that one lol!

I think I should start and practice mounting from the ground every time I ride now and will remember your tip for lengthening stirrups.

[spotti]

Also when you mount from the ground, remember to stand level with the horses shoulder, facing away from the head. Put your foot into the stirrup, bounce once or twice and then as you climb up, you should twist round so that you're facing the right way. I was taught to do this because if your horse starts to move away when you've got one foot in the stirrup then you are a little bit ahead of him/her and have a little bit of distance to stop the horse or get on before you get dragged!

Don't forget to put your left hand (with reins) on the pommel and your right hand on the other side of the saddle, not on the cantle, so that your saddle won't slip when you climb up. Oh, and obviously check your girth is tight enough before you mount up because you'll end up under the horses belly otherwise!

I imagine you probably already do all of the above, but just thought I'd add it as a reminder

[scattymare]

I'm afraid I am rather ungraceful getting on from the ground and pray that no ones watching!!. I have to do it when we hack as I get on outside the yard gate. With my dodgy back I struggle to get my foot up into the stirrup and have to sort of manhanle my leg with my hand!! Thankfully Eddie stands still while mounting! Once my foots in I'm fine. A couple of 'bounces' and up you go. I always put eddie in the tyre ruts and stand in the middle bit to give myself a bit more height!! You can get stirrup extensions (never used one so don't know if they work well or if you can use them for BHS)

[fleabitten]

thanks for the tips spotti - i know you are supposed to point your toe down as well but i can just about get my foot in lol and its usually pointing up or level.
yes have heard of those thingys scatty they look good but dont think BHS would let you use them.

[spotti]

Oh yeah, forgot about pointing your toes down

And the stirrup things sound good but if you think about it, it lowers the height you have to lift your foot, but then in turn lengthens the distance you then have to climb to get your other leg over... I've always been confused buy that!

[FirenLady]

If you have a 5 bar garden/field gate, practice on it When I was younger I used to practice getting on ours all the time and I could get on it using the the second rung down I'm really ungraceful getting on via leg up. My OH s the only person who can get me up without me looking like a fool. Are you enjoying your course?

[fleabitten]

Yes, only had one session so far (its every other sunday) so second one is tomorrow. I loved it last time and looking forward to tomorrow!!

Thanks for the tip FL i might give that a go!

[FirenLady]

I did have a look at our garden gate this morning, and for some reason it looked much smaller than when I was 10..mightn't be as useful tip as I thought..

[fleabitten]

omg, she said we have to practice giving each other a leg up - that will be a laugh!! lol!